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Day 8: What’s Worse, the Pain or the Hangover?

As details about Jerry Sandusky’s alleged decades-long sexual abuse of young men have emerged with the publication of a 23-page Grand Jury presentment, the entire Penn State community has been shaken to its very core. Information about the situation is emerging by the hour, and our understanding of events is still very fluid at this point.

This live blog represents the best summation of the story surrounding the charges of perjury against Penn State administrators Tim Curley and Gary Schultz and the 40+ counts against former coach Jerry Sandusky for crimes far too heinous for decent publication.

Live Blog Updates

Friday, November 11

7:57 p.m. – Paternoville has released a statement about Joe Paterno and their name.

A STATEMENT FROM THE STUDENTS OF PATERNOVILLE

The hearts of every Penn State student, past and present, who has ever camped at Paternoville, go out to those who have been victimized and their families. We will continue to wear blue ribbons in support of child abuse prevention this week.

Penn State students began camping out for home football games in 1993 to be the first to enter Beaver Stadium on football game day. In 2005, in honor of the team’s coach, Joe Paterno, the encampment was given the name “Paternoville” by the students who spent the week in tents lined up outside of the stadium.

Since then, more than 10,000 students as well as hundreds and hundreds of fans, alumni, Nittany Lion football players and Coach Paterno himself have been a part of the camping experience. In addition, we have enjoyed very positive support from Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics.

At this time, we want to acknowledge everything that our namesake has meant to and done for Penn State University and Penn State Football for over 61 years. Thanks, Coach Paterno. For us, it has been a privilege to have a front row seat to some of the greatest games and memories in Penn State football history.

Through the final game of the 2011 football season, we plan to maintain the Paternoville name. As of this time, there are no plans to change the name. Events are happening swiftly throughout the Penn State community and our focus is on cheering on our fellow students — the Penn State football players, especially the graduating seniors — against Nebraska tomorrow in Beaver Stadium.

4:42 p.m. – ESPN confirmed that a cinderblock was thrown thorough a window yesterday at Jerry Sandusky’s home in Lemont. Here’s a photo of the damage:

4:32 p.m. – Interim President Rodney Erickson has issued a promise to the Penn State community.

1. I will reinforce to the entire Penn State community the moral imperative of doing the right thing—the first time, every time.

We will revisit all standards, policies and programs to ensure they meet not only the law, but Penn State’s standard. To oversee this effort, I will appoint an Ethics Officer that will report directly to me.

I ask for the support of the entire Penn State community to work together to reorient our culture. Never again should anyone at Penn State feel scared to do the right thing. My door will always be open.

2. As I lead by example, I will expect no less of others.

I will ensure proper governance and oversight exists across the entire University, including Intercollegiate Athletics.

3. Penn State is committed to transparency to the fullest extent possible given the ongoing investigations.

I commit to providing meaningful and timely updates as frequently as needed.

I encourage dialogue with students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the Penn State Community.

4. We will be respectful and sensitive to the victims and their families. We will seek appropriate ways to foster healing and raise broader awareness of the issue of sexual abuse.

5. My administration will provide whatever resources, access and information is needed to support the Special Committee’s investigation. I pledge to take immediate action based on their findings.

4:05 p.m. – President Rodney Erickson has placed assistant coach Mike McQueary on paid, indefinite administrative leave. He will not coach or attend Saturday’s game against Nebraska.

3:51 p.m. – Governor Tom Corbett has finished his press conference at the Nittany Lion Inn with student leaders, and Interim University President Rodney Erickson is about to begin his press conference, also at the Nittany Lion Inn, on a topic yet to be announced. Follow @OnwardState on Twitter for live coverage, and stick with our live blog as well.

1:41 p.m. – The Faculty Senate Officers and Senate Council have released a statement:

This is a difficult time for our entire University, including our students, staff, alumni, faculty, and administration. The Grand Jury report regarding the alleged actions of a former assistant athletics coach, along with the allegations of perjury and failure to report on the part of administrators, are of immense concern. Until the judicial process is completed, it is inappropriate to comment on the case. All people are entitled to a fair trial without prejudgment.

We call upon all members of the University community to rededicate ourselves to ensuring the integrity of our institution. Likewise, we are mindful of our collective role in contributing to providing a safe environment for all individuals who participate in our educational programs, and indeed in any activities associated with Penn State. Penn State’s Faculty Senate will continue to do its part, and we urge all members of the University to act, as we believe the vast majority already do, in ways that bring honor to our institution and ourselves.

11:17 a.m. – The mother of the first victim in the Sandusky case gave an anonymous interview on Good Morning America this morning.

12:35 a.m – The website thepostgame.com is reporting that Ben Andreozzi, a civil attorney who is advising several of the victims of the Sandusky Sex Scandal criticizes the decision made by the Board of Trustees to fire Paterno. Here are some of Andreozzi’s statements:

“The board of trustees got it wrong. They should have consulted the victims before making a decision on Mr. Paterno…They should have considered these victims watch TV and are aware of the students’ reaction and may not want to be associated with the downfall of Mr. Paterno. The school instead elected to do what it felt was in its own best interest at the time. Isn’t that what put the school in this position in the first place?”

“The way the Board reached its decision raises more concerns than the decision itself. There is no indication the Board considered the impact of the decision on the abuse victims. The school let the victims down once, and I think they owed it to the victims to at least gauge how the immediate termination decision would impact them as opposed to Mr. Paterno’s resignation at the end of the year. These victims do not live in a bubble. They see the students reaction to the termination, and to think this does not weigh on their minds would be naive.”

Thursday, November 10

11:43 p.m. – Associate Dean Christopher P. Long of the College of Liberal Arts has written this open letter to liberal arts undergraduates.

9:42 p.m. – Penn State Athletics released a statement minutes ago stating that Mike McQueary would not coach on Saturday.

Due to multiple threats made against Assistant Coach Mike McQueary, the University has decided it would be in the best interest of all for Assistant Coach McQueary not to be in attendance at Saturday’s Nebraska game.

7:12 p.m. – The website TimCurleyIs.com gets the creator’s point across in very few words.

5:00 p.m. – Governor Tom Corbett will to give a statement at a press conference at the Penn Stater. Watch a live stream here.

12:25 p.m. – US Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) have rescinded their endorsement of Joe Paterno for the Medal of Freedom.

12:21 p.m. – UPUA President TJ Bard (@TJBard) will speak from the steps of Old Main soon. Full coverage here.

11:32 a.m. – Interim University President, Rodney Erickson has released a message to the Penn State community, as posted on live.psu.edu and in PSU email inboxes as we speak:

A message from Rodney Erickson

This is one of the saddest weeks in the history of Penn State. It has been difficult to comprehend the horrific nature of the allegations that were revealed in the Attorney General’s presentment last week. As a member of the Penn State community for 34 years, as a parent, and as a grandfather, I find the charges as they have been described to be devastating, and my heart goes out to those who have been victimized and their families. This is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved, and it will take some time to bring a measure of understanding and resolution to the community.

In addition to the legal process under way, Penn State’s Board of Trustees has authorized a full investigation “…to determine what failures occurred, who is responsible, and what measures are necessary to insure that this never happens at our University again and that those responsible are held fully accountable.” As those involved pursue their cases, I also urge you, as Penn Staters, to be patient, to avoid speculation, and to refrain from passing judgment until the facts are known.

As you are now aware, the Board of Trustees has asked me to serve as the interim president of Penn State effective immediately. I undertake these duties with a firm sense of resolve, and I ask for your support as we move forward. And move forward, we must and we will.

Penn State has a long and storied tradition that has endured for more than 150 years. Our roots are deep, our constitution is resilient, and the importance of our work is as vital today as it was last week – perhaps even more so in the face of such adversity. We are 96,000 students, 46,000 employees, and more than a half a million alumni. We are 24 campuses across the Commonwealth and a World Campus. We are a university that is committed to its core values of honesty, integrity, and community. We are a university that will rebuild the trust and confidence that so many people have had in us for so many years.

Through your conduct every day, you can play a role in restoring the integrity, honor, and pride that have always characterized Penn State. I share your anger and sadness in this time, but always remember that your actions reflect on the entire Penn State community. Please set an example that will make us all proud. Moving forward is the only responsible course to take in the coming months. I ask for the full support of our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and in return I will do my best to lead this institution through the challenges ahead.

Thank you for being a part of Penn State.

7:30 a.m. – The football team, apparently under orders to be silent on social media, is meeting this morning. No word on whether Joe Paterno will be at that meeting, or whether (perhaps more likely) Tom Bradley tries to help them calm down and understand the situation in his new position as interim coach.

2:30 a.m. – The text of the email sent out to all students last night.

Board of Trustees announces leadership changes at Penn State

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees and Graham Spanier have decided that, effective immediately, Dr. Spanier is no longer president of the University. Additionally, the board determined that it is in the best interest of the University for Joe Paterno to no longer serve as head football coach, effective immediately.

The board has named Dr. Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost, as the interim president of the University. Tom Bradley, assistant coach, has been named interim head football coach.

2:00 a.m. – Video of Penn State students rioting downtown and at Old Main last night.

1:30 a.m. – Video of Joe and Sue Paterno outside their house last night.

1:23 a.m. – Video of the Board of Trustees Press Conference is up from PSU ComRadio.

12:18 a.m. – Joe Paterno has released a statement concerning his firing.

I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees’ decision, but I have to accept it. A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm and please respect the university, its property and all that we value.I have been incredibly blessed to spend my entire career working with people I love. I am grateful beyond words to all of the coaches, players and staff who have been a part of this program. And to all of our fans and supporters, my family and I will be forever in your debt.

Wednesday, November 9

11:29 p.m. – We have received more details about the timeline of how Joe Paterno found out his offer to resign at the end of the season would not be accepted. Disturbingly, according to a high-ranking Penn State official, there was no contact between the Board of Trustees and Joe Paterno on the issue before earlier today, when Fran Ganter delivered a hand-written letter to the legendary coach’s house. The note asked Joe to call Trustee Paul Silvis. It was on that phone call, that Joe was informed he would be fired tonight from his 46-year position as head coach of Penn State football.

10:57 p.m. – Students are mobbing at a couple of spots on campus and downtown (Old Main and Beaver Canyon). Tweets indicate thousands are out right now.

It has been my great privilege and honor to serve Penn State for more than 25 years, including the past 16 as president. I have said before that the position I occupy is the dream job in American higher education, and I am proud of what we have all done together to advance our programs, support our students, and enhance pride in our institution.
Our great university has been rocked by serious charges against a former coach. The presentment by the Attorney General describes acts that should never be tolerated or ignored. I was stunned and outraged to learn that any predatory act might have occurred in a University facility or by someone associated with the University.

I am heartbroken to think that any child may have been hurt and have deep convictions about the need to protect children and youth. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all those who may have been victimized. I would never hesitate to report a crime if I had any suspicion that one had been committed.

The acts of no one person should define this university. Penn State is defined by the traditions, loyalty and integrity of hundreds of thousands of students, alumni and employees.

Penn State and its Board of Trustees are in the throes of dealing with and recovering from this crisis, and there is wisdom in a transition in leadership so that there are no distractions in allowing the University to move forward.

This University is a large and complex institution, and although I have always acted honorably and in the best interests of the University, the buck stops here. In this situation, I believe it is in the best interests of the University to give my successor a clear path for resolving the issues before us.

I will always value the wonderful relationships that I have developed with the many thousands of Penn Staters, community leaders and members of the higher education community throughout the country. I will continue to serve the University in every way possible and celebrate the greatness of Penn State.

10:19 p.m. – The Board of Trustees, in a press conference that did not go into much detail, announced that President Graham Spanier and Coach Joe Paterno had been released from their positions with the University. Tom Bradley will replace Paterno as interim coach and Executive Vice President Rodney Erickson will replace Graham Spanier as interim President.

8:56 p.m. – At this moment, live.psu.edu loads only a blank, white page.

8:55 p.m. – Governor Corbett is also planning to address the public soon, we’ve learned.

8:53 p.m. – We’ve been told the Board of Trustees will be coming downstairs soon.

8:30 p.m. – Some pictures from the Penn Stater. With news that Spanier has submitted his letter of resignation, the gathered press wait for the Board of Trustees to accept it and announce their decision to the public.

8:10 p.m. – The Board of Trustees is apparently meeting in a private session at the Penn Stater, in a conference on the second floor (which has been blocked off by police and other personnel). We have reporters on the scene and will update this post with more information soon.

7:00 p.m. We just found video of Spanier’s escape from Old Main last night. He’s quite tricky.

The entire situation is so sad. There is anger, confusion, and heartache on the part of many. First and foremost, our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been negatively impacted by this series of events, particularly the young victims and their families.We hear new information on an hourly basis and recognize that there is still much to be determined. We will wait until the Board of Trustees draws its final conclusions on personnel matters before commenting on such matters ourselves.Additionally, the Board is appointing a Special Committee to undertake a full investigation of the circumstances that gave rise to the Grand Jury report, and the Grand Jury investigation is ongoing. We will wait until these two entities have drawn their conclusions before we draw any of our own on the investigation and therefore have no further comment at this time.

5:13 p.m. – John Lozano, the President of the Graduate Student Association, has issued a statement.

Over the past few days, we in the Penn State community have been flooded with news in regards to the recent actions of a Grand Jury regarding allegations of sexual abuse by former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky as well as further allegations of perjury by two current members of Penn State’s staff, Tim Curley, Director of Athletics, and Gary Schultz, Interim Senior Vice President for Finance & Business, both of whom have been placed on leave.

The allegations against former coach Sandusky, if proven to be true, are among some of the most grievous acts that one can carry out and even if justice took a great deal of time to reach this situation, I hope that it is carried out swiftly and that the victims and their families can reach some sense of closure on this horrible situation.

Regarding Mr. Schultz and Mr. Curley, there are still a great deal of questions that need to be answered and I’m positive that as the two proceed through the judicial system, the answers to these questions will come to light.

I am confident that in the coming days and weeks that we will learn more concerning these allegations and that eventually, Penn State will be able to move past this dark moment in its otherwise wonderful history.

5:00 p.m. – Video of Penn State football’s now-second-string quarterback commenting on the situation and today’s special meeting with Paterno.

4:17 p.m. – Mark Sherburne, the Acting Athletic Director of Penn State, has released a statement on the GoPSUsports homepage.

3:06 p.m. – These are the doors to the Board of Trustees office in Old Main, where the future of the administration will be decided.

2:30 p.m. – @NateBauerBWI on Twitter is reporting that Graham Spanier has submitted his resignation and that an announcement will be made after the Board of Trustees meeting later today. Bauer also said that the Board will decide whether Erickson will serve as the next President, in an interim capacity or otherwise.

12:44 p.m. – According to the Express-Times, President Spanier will either be fired or resign by the end of the day.

11:52 a.m. – We have breaking news that President Spanier has appproved a 1% across the board salary increase.

11:09 a.m. – The Westboro Baptist Church has announced that they will be protesting in front of Beaver Stadium before Penn State’s game against Nebraska on Saturday.

WBC will picket the Penn State vs. Nebraska “Senior Day Clash.” Now there are two doomed states if ever there were. On the one side you have Nebraska who arrested one of the servants of God for allowing her son to stand on this nations idol. On the other side you have the state that started the mischief of putting the church of the Lord Jesus Christ on trial for preaching!

10:31 a.m. – Joe Paterno has announced his retirement at the end of this season. His statement is below.

I am absolutely devastated bythe developments in this case. I grieve for the children and their families,and I pray for their comfort and relief.

I have come to work every day for the last 61 years with one clear goal inmind: To serve the best interests of this university and the young men who havebeen entrusted to my care. I have the same goal today.

That’s why I have decided to announce my retirement effective at the end ofthis season. At this moment the Board of Trustees should not spend a singleminute discussing my status. They have far more important matters to address. Iwant to make this as easy for them as I possibly can.This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefitof hindsight, I wish I had done more.

My goals now are to keep my commitments to my players and staff and finish theseason with dignity and determination. And then I will spend the rest of mylife doing everything I can to help this University.

10:00 a.m. – Penn State Athletics is now officially supporting a “blue out” of Beaver Stadium on Saturday to support victims of child abuse. Here’s the student created Facebook event.

9:57 a.m. – According to an AP source, Joe Paterno has decided to retire at the end of this season.

12:10 a.m. – We’ve seen multiple tweets that ESPN is reporting that former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge is a possible replacement for Graham Spanier if he is indeed ousted as president, or resigns.

Tuesday, November 8

10:42 p.m. – The Penn State Board of Trustees has released a statement.

The Board of Trustees of The Pennsylvania State University is outraged by the horrifying details contained in the Grand Jury Report. As parents, alumni and members of the Penn State Community, our hearts go out to all of those impacted by these terrible events, especially the tragedies involving children and their families. We cannot begin to express the combination of sorrow and anger that we feel about the allegations surrounding Jerry Sandusky. We hear those of you who feel betrayed and we want to assure all of you that the Board will take swift, decisive action.

At its regular meeting on Friday, November 11, 2011, the Board will appoint a Special Committee, members of which are currently being identified, to undertake a full and complete investigation of the circumstances that gave rise to the Grand Jury Report. This Special Committee will be commissioned to determine what failures occurred, who is responsible and what measures are necessary to insure that this never happens at our University again and that those responsible are held fully accountable. The Special Committee will have whatever resources are necessary to thoroughly fulfill its charge, including independent counsel and investigative teams, and there will be no restrictions placed on its scope or activities. Upon the completion of this investigation, a complete report will be presented at a future public session of the Board of Trustees.

Penn State has always strived for honesty, integrity and the highest moral standards in all of its programs. We will not tolerate any violation of these principles. We educate over 95,000 students every year and we take this responsibility very seriously. We are dedicated to protecting those who are placed in our care. We promise you that we are committed to restoring public trust in the University.

10:35 p.m. – The crowd at Old Main continues to grow rapidly. Though the crowd is hardly unanimous in opinion, cheers so far have included “Hell no, Joe won’t go” and “Fire Spanier.” Our estimate is 1000+ people.

10:24 p.m. – According to @evanponter in the HUB and @dennismcnamara downtown, students from both places are headed towards Old Main right now.

10:19 p.m. – Students are tweeting that riot-gear State Troopers have arrived to Beaver Canyon and begun clearing out the crowd. Some are headed towards Old Main.

10:15 p.m. – Students are gathering at Beaver Canyon, at the corner of Beaver Avenue and Locust Lane, where police have also begun to congregate. An early pic via @dennismcnamara…

8:51 p.m. – The Centre Daily Times is reporting that a court has temporarily barred Sandusky from being alone with his grandchildren.

8:22 p.m. – State Police now seen on campus, with batons and in front of Old Main, per @eweiss41 and @SCNewsDesk.

8:11 p.m. – Here’s a picture of the crowd gathered on the steps of Old Main right now.

7:34 p.m. – As reported by Politico, Representative Patrick Meehan has urged Education Secretary Arne Duncan to probe “whether federal law was broken in the failure of properly report allegations of sexual abuse at Penn State”

6:43 p.m. – Fox 29 is reporting that the number of victims in the Sandusky case has roughly doubled since the presentment was first released.
6:40 p.m. – Joe Paterno is addressing more than 750 students gathered outside his house. We have up-to-the-minute updates at @OnwardState. Picture post to come momentarily.

4:51 p.m. – According to Blue White Illustrated, BWI’s Publisher Phil Grosz was told by a source that the Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow morning to discuss the status of Graham Spanier.

4:43 p.m. – Patrick Meehan (R-PA7) published a letter he wrote to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan earlier today. Meehan urged Duncan to launch a full Department of Education to investigate whether federal law was broken by Penn State administration and staff.

3:55 p.m. – Tom Rinaldi has reported on ESPN that Scott Paterno said, “Joe wants to make a statement, but outside his house or car is not the place to do it.”

3:47 p.m. – Chris Fowler just said on College Football Live that Penn State has said Mike McQueary is not around, and is on a recruiting trip. Fowler cited Jeremy Schaap.

2:46 p.m. – As reported by the Patriot News’ Sara Ganim, Jerry Sandusky’s hearing has been moved from tomorrow to December 7th.

2:23 p.m. – Joe Paterno has left his house and is headed to practice. He said that he wanted a press conference, and Scott Paterno reiterates that nobody has asked Joe to step down.

12:21 p.m. – The New York Times has just reported that Penn State is preparing for Joe Paterno’s departure from the University. Paterno’s 62-season career will end in disgrace. We don’t know exactly when Paterno will leave, but it looks like his career is over, and not by his own choice.

11:40 a.m. – As first reported by the Patriot News’ Sara Ganim, Joe Paterno’s scheduled press conference was canceled by President Spanier.

11:00 a.m. – In a little more than an hour, Joe Paterno will address media at his weekly press conference. Onward State’s Dave Cole is waiting outside the stadium now, and he sends in this picture of the nearly 100 journalists already lined up.

Some people will argue that Joe should step down immediately as well. Given what we know now, we don’t agree. Paterno should be allowed to finish out the year and retire with the honor and admiration he has earned since taking over as head coach in 1966.

It might always be honor with an asterisk, admiration with a shake of the head. Joe will have to live with that.

There will be other people who argue that Graham Spanier and Joe Paterno should not be punished at all. After all, they obeyed the law.

As President of the University Park Undergraduate student body, I feel compelled to comment on the alleged sexual abuse reports by a former Penn State football coach. Like you, I am most disturbed by the recent allegations and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. I believe that the well-being of the victims and closure for all involved should be the top priority.

As a representative of the Penn State student body, I call on the investigative authorities to delve into this case thoroughly. Let us remember the presumption of innocence of our judicial system and hold judgments until the case has been adjudicated.

While these allegations are disturbing, I ask that the Penn State student body remains bonded together as the case makes its way through the legal system. No individual’s actions, student, alumni or employee of Penn State, can deter from the honor, tradition and talents of the Penn State community at large. I insist that the Administration handle this situation appropriately keeping in mind the victims and their families.

2:29 p.m. – The Quad, a college sports blog at The New York Times,captures the sentiment in the case of Joe Paterno in the court of public opinion. And it doesn’t look good for JoePa.

2:15 p.m. – The UPUA (@UPUA) has said that President TJ Bard’s (@tjbard) statement concerning the administrations role in the Sandusky case is forthcoming.

2:00 p.m. – Governor Tom Corbett has announced that he will address the Penn State Board of Trustees at this Friday’s meeting, scheduled to be held in the Nittany Lion Inn. The governor of Pennsylvania has a standing seat on the University’s board, though it is usually filled by a staff-member or other political appointee. Corbett, when asked, would not say whether he would ask for President Graham Spanier’s resignation at the meeting.

1:21 p.m. – The crack investigative team at Yahoo Sports reports that Sandusky remained a presence on campus as late as last week, including working out multiple times in the football team’s weight room

12:54 p.m. – The Second Mile, the charity Sandusky founded to help at-risk children, releases a statement.

November 11

Penn State University Relations staff is guarding the door, limiting the number of journalists and cameras allowed into what will surely be the most anticipated Board of Trustees meeting in many, many years.

So Much for a Normal Senior Year Well, this has certainly been a week that none of us will ever forget. A week filled so many emotions and an utter sense of disbelief. I thought our school was infallible and now we’re facing the worst scandal higher education has ever seen. This isn’t the way our senior year was supposed to be – I want my Penn State back.

Once More, With Feeling Fans, students or otherwise, I urge you, support the student-athletes who will run out of the south end zone tunnel tomorrow wearing the same blue and white they did two weeks ago, when our only worry fell from the sky in the form of snowflakes.

#ProudPSUforRAINN Allows Healing to Begin In a time when positive energy is desperately looking to be expelled by the Penn State community, a new organization, Proud to Be a Penn Stater, has teamed with RAINN to raise funds for sexual abuse victims.

#OccupyPennState Vacates HUB After a month of maintaining a presence in the HUB, #OccupyPennState has decided to take down the protest signs and relocate from a physical occupation to an amorphous existence through diplomatic dialogue and unfaltering connections.

Statement from CCSG President And Vice President Today we find our University in a state of uncertainty and unrest. The Board of Trustees decision to remove President Spanier and Coach Paterno from their respective positions is not one that came after little thought.

Posnanski, Forde Speak to #JoePaClas This will be, in all likelihood, the last time that Penn State offers a class on “Joe Paterno, Communications, and the Media,” otherwise known as COMM 497G, but if this was its final semester, it’s going out with a bang.

Tom Bradley Holds Press Conference Tom Bradley took the podium in the Beaver Stadium media room for the first time as head coach of the Penn State football team on Thursday afternoon.

President TJ Bard Speaks at Old Main University Park Undergraduate Association President TJ Bard (@TJBard) will speak from the steps of Old Main at 12:30 p.m. about the recent unprecedented and historic events that have happened over the past week.

Meet Tom Bradley, The New Nittany Lion Head Coach Bradley has never particularly sought the spotlight, but today, the spotlight will seek him as he appears publicly for the first time, no longer having the title of defensive coordinator but rather interim head coach.

In The Face of Violence, We Are The peaceful gathering of students in opposition to Joe Paterno’s immediate termination quickly deteriorated into a swarm of vandalism and misguided aggression. What remains now is a campus full of debris and a tarnished image of the Penn State community.

Paterno Fired in Abrupt Ending to Iconic Career
The time for Joe Paterno to no longer be associated with the Penn State football program was on the horizon, and it finally ended Tuesday night inside Deans Hall at the Penn Stater Hotel.

November 9

Joe Paterno Fired, Will Not Coach Saturday
After a lengthy private meeting, Penn State’s Board of Trustees announced in a press conference late Wednesday that Joe Paterno, the face of a university, and perhaps of college football, would not be able to leave this football team on his own terms.

Graham Spanier Ousted as Penn State President
As the dominoes continue to topple from the fallout of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, the Penn Sate University Board of Trustees voted last night to remove Graham Spanier from his role as University President, effective immediately.

The Willard Preacher Defends Paterno Gary Cattell, the Willard Preacher, has been speaking in support of Paterno to crowds of students and admonishing the administration for their treatment of his resignation.

November 8

Paterno Addresses Student Support
Joe Paterno spoke to hundreds of students gathered at his house, acknowledging their support and asking that people say a prayer for the victims and families of the scandal.

New York Times: End Appears Near For JoePaAccording to a New York Times article, the the Board of Trustees has already begun discussion on how to approach Joe Paterno’s departure. However, Scott Paterno claims these rumors as premature.

Penn State Students #OccupyOldMain
The Occupy Penn State movement has decided to relocate to Old Main starting Monday in light of the recent events, and they have asked other organizations to join them.

Mark Sherburne Named Interim AD
After Curley submitted his request for administrative leave to Spanier and the Board of Trustees for review at a closed executive session, Mark Sherburne was named Interim AD.

PSU Selfishness Overshadows Real Tragedy
While moral and legal obligations differ, an act to protect a cherished, proud, and highly viewed program were put ahead of protecting the innocence of at least six victims of Sandusky.

Curley and Schultz Charged, JoePa Comments
News that Curley and Schultz would be charged broke with the release of the Attorney General’s presentment, which Paterno would respond to within 24 hours of its release.

Don’t Blame Joe
Perhaps it’s just because of the myth of Joe Paterno, but Penn State editor Devon Edwards argues that we should all wait before condemning his role in the Sandusky scandal.

How Penn State Broke My Heart
While most other collegiate athletic programs have faced the downfall of scandal over the years, Penn State has stood as a pillar of integrity, as the “shining program on a hill.” Was it all a lie?

Second Mile Issues Statement on Sandusky
The Second Mile, the charity founded by Jerry Sandusky where he found many of his victims, released a statement this afternoon about the scandal and the charges facing its founder.

A Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board hearing began on Tuesday in Pittsburgh for former Penn State general counsel Cynthia Baldwin, who is accused of violating rules of professional conduct in her representation of former university administrators during the Jerry Sandusky investigation.